Frequently Asked Questions

The Event

What is the cost?

The Empire State Ride is a fundraising event to support cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. There is a $3,500 fundraising minimum and a $100 registration fee. For Custom Route Riders, a 1 day ride is $750. Each day added is an additional $500 by ride day.

I can’t ride in the week-long event. Can I still participate?

Yes, you can! If you can’t ride from NYC to Niagara Falls, consider joining us as a Custom Route Rider by selecting the starting city and number of days you will be riding, in the registration process. You can also participate as a virtual rider.

What if I sign up and start fundraising, then something comes up and I can no longer participate in the ride?

We’ll miss you on this year’s ride, and hope you can join us next year. If that’s the case we’ll simply roll over your registration and donations. If you can’t, we’ll accept your registration fee and the money you raised as a donation toward our mission of winning the fight against cancer.

Are meals provided? What if I have special dietary needs?

Yes, the Empire State Ride provides breakfast, lunch on the route, and dinner each day, along with snacks and hydration at water stops every 15 – 20 miles. When you register, you’ll be asked if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. We can accommodate most needs, but if you’re not sure give us a call at 716-845-3179.

I can’t make it this year, but I really want to do this ride. Will it happen in 2018?

We do not have details on the 2018 ride just yet. Send your contact information to EmpireStateRide@roswellpark.org and we will keep you informed of next year’s plans.

Fundraising

What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising minimum?

Your minimum fundraising commitment is due no later than Saturday, July 29 at Rider Check-In. For any remaining portion due, funds will be collected in-person by credit card or check (made out to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation). Riders who have not met their minimum fundraising commitment or have not completed a fundraising commitment form ahead of time are not eligible to ride. As a reminder, your fundraising commitment for the full 7-day ride is $3,500. If you are joining us for a custom route ride, your fundraising commitment is $750 for 1 day and an additional $500 for each day added.

Where do I send checks or cash?

For checks: make the check out to “Roswell Park” and write Empire State Ride and the rider’s name in the memo field.

How long will it take for cash, checks or matching gifts to post to my fundraising page?

Please allow 10 business days after receipt for mailed donations to be processed and posted to your fundraising page. Donations made online will processed and posted immediately. Please note: Mailed donations must be received by the ESR office at least 10 days prior to ride day in order to be posted to your total in time.

How can I find out if my company will match gifts for the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation?

Whether you work for a company that matches the money you raise, or if one of your donors works for a company that does, you can double your donations by doing the following:

Review our Matching Gifts page to see if your company participates in a matching gift program

Pick up a Matching Gift form from your Human Resources Department (or ask your donor to request one at their place of work)

If after contacting your Human Resources Department you still have a matching gift question, contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

The Route

What’s the mileage like?

The average daily mileage is about 77 miles. The total mileage is about 540. Our shortest day is 54 miles and our longest is 89. There are also options to ride shorter daily distance (40 mi./day), or join a one-day ride if you want to participate but are not available for the entire week.

I can do 30 – 50 miles per day, but not 70+. Can I still participate?

Yes! We offer the option of a “short route” each day for those who want to participate but are worried about the mileage, and those who just need a break. Our short route option shuttles you and your bike to the daily lunch stop where you can then ride into camp.

What if there’s a day that I can’t finish the route?

Don’t worry! This is a fully supported ride. SAG support and shuttles will always be available for riders who need some rest or encounter mechanical issues. SAG support will help arrange a ride into camp for you.

How fast do people ride?

Everybody rides at their own speed. Some fast, others slower. You should plan on a 13 – 15mph pace with a 10mph average including stops. This will get you to rest stops and into camp each day with plenty of time to rest, refuel and refresh.

I am a day rider, where do I meet the group?

You should plan to meet the group at 7 am on the morning of your departure for Rider Check-In; breakfast will be served at 7 am before departing from camp. Based on the day ride that you have signed up for, please plan to meet at the following locations:

Accommodations

Where are we sleeping?

Riders on the Empire State Ride will be tent camping at each overnight location. The locations are a mix of private campgrounds and public high schools. You can learn more about them here.

Do we have to bring our own camping gear?

No! Just your sleeping bag and a pillow. Each rider receives a tent and air mattress that is set up and broken down by ESR support staff each day.

I’m not a camper. Can I stay in a hotel?

You sure can! If camping isn’t your thing, you can stay in a hotel at your own expense. The Empire State Ride will designate one hotel near each overnight as the official hotel. We’ll arrange for your gear to be dropped off at that hotel each night. You’ll be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the hotel each day. If you choose to stay in a hotel other than the officially designated one, you’ll also need to make arrangements to retrieve your gear each day.

Who moves my stuff?

Staff will transport your gear and tent in the gear truck each day and will have it ready for you when you arrive in camp.

How do I make sure a tent and air mattress will be set up for me each evening?

As a registered ESR rider, we will provide a tent, air mattress and camp chair for you each evening at our designated camp (unless you have otherwise noted that you have made your own hotel accommodations). You can opt for towel service for an additional cost of $30 throughout the week by calling the Empire State Ride office at 716-845-3179.

I reserved a dorm room at Wagner College in NYC before the Empire State Ride, how do I pay for my room?

The cost for the room is based on double occupancy, $50 per bed/$100 private room. Please call Joanne Glose at the Empire State Ride office at 716-845-3179 to coordinate your payment.

Do I need bedding for Wagner College?

No! The college will be providing them just for that night, 7/29.

Logistics

Where do I find the Rider Information Packet, with all final details for the tour?

How do I get myself and my equipment to NYC?

There are a lot of ways to get to NYC. You can fly, drive or take the train. If you live in the Western New York area, we can help you shuttle you, your bike and your gear.

What options are there for getting my bike to NYC?

If you live in the Western New York area, you can drop your bike and gear off to the Alliance Foundation offices (901 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY 14203) on Thursday, July 27 from 2-7 pm.

If you live outside of the Western New York area, shipping using UPS or FedEx or other ground services will typically cost less than flying with your bike on board. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need to drop off your bike or arrange for a pickup, and allow enough time for your bike to get to its destination (usually a week or more). For another option offering a whole spectrum of bicycle shipping services, visit www.shipbikes.com or www.bikeflights.com.

How should I ship my bike to New York City before the tour?

Please contact the bicycle shop to make the necessary arrangements prior to shipping your bicycle and be sure to allow sufficient time (2 weeks) for your bicycle to arrive at its destination and be assembled by the shop. Any services arranged with the bicycle shop are your financial responsibility. If you would like us to pick up your bicycle and deliver it to the starting location then please email Greg Edwards, the Tour Director, at outigo@gmail.com by Monday, July 24th. Be sure to supply your name, the make, model, color and serial number of your bicycle. We will pick up bicycles from the shop on Saturday, July 29th. Please be sure to provide payment information to the shop if you plan on having us pick up your bicycle.

How should I ship my bike home after the tour?

They utilize BikeFlights.com for their bike shipping needs. You should visit BikeFlights.com to schedule your shipment and pay for the freight. We will deliver your bike and Campus Wheelworks will ensure that your bike is shipped via BikeFlights.

We will deliver any bikes to be shipped to Campus Wheelworks on Sunday, August 6.

If you would like Campus Wheelworks to disassemble your bike and pack it for you, please contact them directly to schedule this service. You should arrange payment before we drop off your bike. They charge $50 to package your bike. They can advise you on when to schedule your return shipment based on their service schedule. You can call the bike shop directly at 716-881-3613.

If you will be breaking down your own bike and packing it, you may schedule your shipment for Monday, August 7.

Please note, if you would like to utilize our shuttle from Buffalo to NYC after the ride, we are able to shuttle your bikes and gear on a truck back to Wagner College. If you would like to use our shuttle to move your bike, please call our staff at 716-845-3179 so that we can make note for our shuttle driver.

I have a bike case that I am transporting my bike in. Can you store it for me?

Your bike cases and other packing materials will be stored during the tour and will be available at the end point. You do not need to make any arrangements for this prior to arrival.

I do not have a bike. Can I rent one?

If you wish to rent a bike for the tour, you can do so with:
Campus Wheelworks
744 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 881-3613Campuswheelworks.com
Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5

Rental bikes should be reserved for pick-up on Thursday, July 27th, and return on Saturday, August 5th. We will pick up rental bicycles from the shop on Thursday, July 27th, and transport them to City College in New York City. If you plan on renting from Campus Wheelworks, please be sure to provide payment information to the shop. You must also notify the Tour Director, Greg Edwards, via email at outigo@gmail.com by Monday, July 24th if you have rented a bike. Please include your name, the make, model, and size you have reserved in your message.

What should I bring with me?

Here’s an overview of items you’ll need:

Your bike, in good working condition

A CPSC- or ASTM-certified helmet

Your water bottle, seat pack, tire repair kit and any other bike accessories you want with you for the ride

What am I able to bring on the shuttle with me vs. gear going on the truck to be transported?

Western New Yorkers who are using the gear drop on Thursday, July 27: Drop your gear and bike to 901 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 between 2-7pm. Please plan to pack a bag (or two) of only things that will go to camp and not be accessible until Sunday night. There is room on the shuttle to bring a small/medium bag that includes anything you need for Saturday (meds, toiletries, etc.) and riding clothes and gear for Sunday (helmet, gloves, shoes, sunscreen, chamois cream, glasses, electronics, etc.).

Everyone else: Similarly, please plan to pack a bag (or two) of only things that will go to camp and not be accessible until Sunday night. Then bring a small/medium bag that includes anything you need for Saturday (meds, toiletries, etc.) and riding clothes and gear for Sunday (helmet, gloves, shoes, sunscreen, chamois cream, glasses, electronics, etc.). We will check your non-essential gear at check-in and you will carry your smaller bag to the dorm room/hotel.

Everyone: On Sunday morning, bring your small overnight bag back to breakfast and we will collect it and move it to camp – no need to plan to bike with your toothbrush! Once we get to camp on Sunday night, you will have access to all bags.

Wagner College will provide all bedding: sheets, pillow, blanket, etc. for those staying in the dorms. They are also air conditioned.

The change this year is for several reasons:

We are not able to park the luggage truck overnight near the check-in location as we need space for the bike trucks instead.

The dorms are a longer walk/ride from the check-in/breakfast area this year, so we do not want you to have to lug big bags back and forth so far.

I reserved a ride on the shuttle from Buffalo to NYC, how do I pay for the shuttle?

The cost for the shuttle is $50 per person. Please call Joanne Glose at the Empire State Ride office at 716-845-8788 to coordinate your payment.

The shuttle on Saturday, July 29 will begin boarding at 6:30am at Kaminski Park – next to Roswell Park. Shuttle departs at 8:00am sharp!

The shuttle on Sunday, August 6 will depart from the Doubletree Hotel in Buffalo by 8:00am.

I am taking the shuttle to NYC before the ride. Where can I park my car?

Free, long-term parking will be available in the main Roswell Park Cancer Institute parking garage. Please park on the roof level and bring your parking ticket with you so that we may validate it.

If you are on the shuttle to NYC before the ride, don’t forget your overnight bag!

Riders should bring an overnight carry-on sized bag for the shuttle on July 29, which should include toiletries, clothes you may need Saturday, and your Sunday riding outfit with shoes, helmet, gloves, water bottle, etc. You will need to carry your overnight bag ¼ mile from registration to the dorm and back. The rest of your checked-in luggage will not be available until the first night at camp (Sunday).

What airport should I fly into in NYC?

Newark Liberty International (EWR) is the closest, but LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK International (JFK) will work, too!

Can I park and leave my car at Wagner College if I am starting from NYC?

Yes! There will be reserved long term parking available. We will direct you to the designated lots at Check-In.

What is the schedule like for Saturday, August 29 – Check-In and Orientation?

I would like to receive a massage during the week while on the ride. Is there a massage therapist available?

YES! Please contact Dale Smith at bodybydale@gmail.com to reserve a time and pay for your massage service. He will be traveling with the tour all week!

How do we charge our electronics if we are camping?

There is a large charging station that is set up each evening at camp. There are ports for 60 plugs and several USB plugs. We would suggest that you bring your own power strip if you will want to charge multiple electronics at once.

Can my friends and family visit me?

Of course! But only staff and participants have access to the food and services provided by the Empire State Ride. Anyone without a wristband identifying them as a part of the ride will, unfortunately, not be able to use ride services.

What happens if I get sick or hurt while on the Empire State Ride?

Trained medical staff will be on hand to attend to any injuries or sickness that occurs. If your injury prohibits you from any more riding you’re welcome to remain on the ride with us for the remainder of the week, or we can help you make arrangements to get home.